SOUL

first day at a new school

Janurary 8th, 2007

The first day of school had always felt like a fresh start for Leo, but this year, it came with a strange sense of dread. Today was the first day back after winter break, he would be the new kid at school, in a strange town, where no one knew him except for one person—Marigold. 

Leo and Marigold walked to school together that morning. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden light on the streets. Leo could feel the tension radiating off Marigold as they approached the building. She tugged nervously at the sleeves of her sweater, her usual calm demeanor slipping just a bit.

"You don't have to hang out with me today, I won't be upset," Marigold said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Leo frowned, glancing at her. "You're my friend, of course I'll hang out with you"

Marigold gave him a small smile, but there was a sadness in her eyes that he couldn't ignore.  

When they arrived at school, it didn't take long for the whispers to start. Leo noticed right away that the other kids were staring at them—well, mostly at Marigold. She was always quiet, her red hair catching everyone's attention like a beacon.

By the time recess rolled around, Leo was already feeling on edge. He knew what was coming. As they stood by the playground, watching the other kids run around, he heard the first taunts.

"Look, the freak brought a pet!" Greg, one of the biggest and loudest boys in their grade, sneered, pointing at Marigold.

Leo's fists clenched, his anger boiling up instantly. "Shut up," he said, his voice tight.

But Greg wasn't about to back down. He smirked, stepping closer. "She put a spell on you or something?"

The other kids laughed, and Leo felt Marigold stiffen beside him. She didn't say anything, but he could feel her pulling away, retreating into herself. Her hands gripped the straps of her backpack, her head lowered as if trying to disappear.

"I'm going to sit over there," she said softly, barely loud enough for Leo to hear. She nodded toward the swings at the far end of the playground, away from the others.

Leo frowned, not wanting her to leave. "You don't have to—"

But she was already walking away, head down, her steps slow and heavy. She made it to the swings and sat down alone, her back to the rest of the playground. Leo could see her wiping at her face, and his heart twisted in his chest.

Greg's laughter brought his attention back to the group. "Even she knows she's a witch."

Without thinking, Leo shoved Greg hard, sending him stumbling backward. The laughter stopped immediately, replaced by gasps and shocked looks from the other kids. Greg hit the ground, his face twisted in surprise, and for a second, Leo felt a rush of satisfaction.

Greg scrambled to his feet, his face red with anger. "What the hell, man?"

Before Leo could say anything else, a teacher appeared, having seen the whole thing. She grabbed Leo's arm and pulled him away from Greg. "That's enough, Lenard" she snapped, her tone sharp. "We don't tolerate fighting."

Leo's heart pounded as he glanced back at Marigold, who was still sitting alone on the swing, her shoulders trembling as she tried to hide her tears. He wanted to go to her, but the teacher was already dragging him toward the principal's office.

---

Leo sat in the principal's office, his hands clenched into fists on his lap as he waited for his parents to arrive. His stomach twisted with guilt and frustration, the weight of what had just happened pressing down on him. He knew his parents were going to be furious.